Vocal Cord Lesions in Professional Voice Users

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey professional voice users referred to an otorhinolaryngology center in a tertiary hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and evaluate the incidence of vocal cord diseases in these patients. Method: Professional voice users’ records were analyzed using database from a videolaryngoscopic service in a tertiary hospital, from January 2000 to 2010. Patients’ diagnoses were divided into the following categories: nodules, polyps, minor structural changes, Reinke edema, papilloma, neoplasm, vocal fold palsy, functional dysphonia, vocal cord paralyis, and laryngitis. Age, gender, and smoking habit were also annotated. Results: A total of 409 professional voice users were referred to the otorhinolaryngology service. The majority of patients were female (69.3%). Dysphonia was the most common complaint, found in 76.3% of patients. The most common vocal cord lesions were polyps, found in 13.7% of patients. Laryngitis due to laryngopharyngeal reflux was found in 11.3% of patients, followed by vocal cord cysts, found in 8.1% of patients. Reinke edema was found in 5.6% of patients. The examination was normal in 45.2% of patients. Smoking was found in 19.7% of patients with any abnormal finding and only 9.7% of patient with no visible alterations (OR = 2.3, CI = 1.3-4.1). Conclusion: Professional voice users are at increased risk of vocal cord lesions. In this study, the most common lesions identified were polyps. Followed by laryngitis due to laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Smoking was higher in the group with abnormal findings. Smoking cessation is an important aspect of the treatment of professional voice users.